Brown-Schweitzer Debate Analysis

I really encourage anyone who can to watch this evening’s gubernatorial debate. In a world of media coverage that is often about tangential and incredibly superficial issues, this debate provides clear evidence that Roy Brown is simply not ready to be Governor, and that Governor Schweitzer has a much greater grasp of policy and research, two things that I consider important qualifications for the office.

What was most damaging to Brown? His absolute lack of specificity. His answer to the health care crisis? A Task Force. That’s not an adequate answer for Montana voters without insurance or those struggling to pay their premiums. Being governor is about leadership, and a pandering answer like that demonstrates that Brown doesn’t have a specific vision for the state. Even when asked a question that should have been in his area of expertise or at least interest, tax breaks, Brown offered absolutely no specifics. The nice editor from the Missoulian even had to give him a second crack at the question. If your campaign is based on the idea that you will best help the taxpayers of the state, you should know the answer to that question.

More troubling was a theme that I’ve addressed a few time: Brown’s insistence that Montana’s economy is not doing well. It’s hard to run against a popular, successful governor, but misrepresenting Montana’s economy in a negative light is not the answer. Governor Schweitzer absolutely demolished Brown on this issue, with facts and strong statistical analysis showing that Montana’s economy is doing quite well, especially in a harsh national climate.

Brown may earnestly believe that Montana’s economy is in bad shape, just like he and Stan Jones earnestly believe that humans aren’t contributing to global warming. After eight years of the Bush Administration’s mismanagement of the nation, I think Montana voters are wise enough to realize that earnestly believing something that isn’t true is no substitute for doing the research and analysis necessary to uncover the truth. As for me, I’ll trust the Governor’s statistics and evidence over Senator Brown’s gut feeling about the economy.

So, tomorrow, when you read the newspaper’s account of the debate, when it refers to a ‘heated exchange of ideas’ and selectively pulls quotes from the event, don’t let that be enough. Watch the debate in its entirety if you can. You’ll see that Governor Schweitzer has a much more impressive command of the basic facts and underlying issues that face Montana’s economy, students, and environment.

Side Note: Not one question about K-12 education? I told you so. 🙂

Like this:

About the author

Don Pogreba

Don Pogreba is a seventeen-year teacher of English, former debate coach, and loyal, if often sad, fan of the San Diego Padres and Portland Timbers. He spends far too many hours of his life working at school and on his small business, Big Sky Debate.

60 Comments

Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I would like to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not appear to get something done.

Outstanding post, I believe website owners should acquire a lot from this blog its very user pleasant. “My father always told me, ‘Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.'” by Jim Fox.

you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a excellent process in this matter!

We appreciate to patch iphones as well as have the ability to help you with anything that you require. all you need to do is check into our different website. we happen to be seeking to get some direct exposure online so we prefered to stop by your weblog and observe if we coud have any of you to see our iphone mend web pages. this happens to be the place to be if you desire ibroke llc

We wanted to stop in as well as furnish you guys the chance to pay a visit to our web site so that you have the ability to go over our outstanding product. Our employee and client support team happen to be fabulous as well as we understand that we are able to satisfy your demands. Our capacities happen to be considerably higher than our rivals and prefer to view you flourish by having us on your side. If there happens to be everything we can do, gratify let us realize. 100 % client joy is our leading end goal.

We would like to stop in as well as offer you men the opportunity to check out our site so that you can easily investigate our incredible service. Our personnel as well as client support group are awesome as well as we understand that we can easily fulfill your demands. Our capabilities happen to be much higher than our rivals and would like to see you do well by having us on your side. If there is anything we can do, please let us understand. 100 % consumer satisfaction is our number one goal.

Ive been meaning to read this and just never got a chance. Its an issue that Im really interested in, I just started reading and Im glad I did. Youre a excellent blogger, one of the finest that Ive seen. This blog undoubtedly has some facts on topic that I just wasnt aware of. Thanks for bringing this stuff to light.